reviews all Volkswagen models

VolkswagenDependable, trusted and reliable, Volkswagen is renowned for building quality cars. From its smallest Volkswagen up! city car up to the giant Volkswagen Phaeton saloon, all cars share an enviable reputation for reliability and safety. The Volkswagen Polo and Volkswagen Golf lead their respective classes for comfort and luxury.

Volkswagen models

[size=32]Volkswagen up![/size]

The Volkswagen up! is a three-door city car with enough space for four adults. It's mechanically identical to Skoda's Citigo and Seat's Mii. It features a small, efficient 1.0-litre petrol engine, with a fully electric version also on offer. It's smaller than rivals like the Toyota Aygo, but clever packaging and design means the Volkswagen up! offers the maximum amount of space from its small dimensions.

[size=32]Volkswagen Polo[/size]

The Volkswagen Polo boasts quality that's a cut above supermini rivals like the Vauxhall Corsa and Ford Fiesta. It borrows its look and feel from the larger Volkswagen Golf. The Volkswagen Polo's interior is particularly impressive as it's nicely built from high quality materials. Three and five-door versions are available, and both offer plenty of space inside for four people. The Volkswagen Polo can’t match the Ford Fiesta in terms of driving entertainment. There are plenty of engines and trims available, including the eco-friendly Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion.

[size=32]Volkswagen Beetle[/size]

The Volkswagen Beetle was launched in 1999, and started the craze for 'retro' cars that have been inspired by classic models, such as the MINI and Fiat 500. Unlike the original rear-engined Volkswagen Beetle, the modern version is based on the Volkswagen Golf, so the engine is at the front. The recent re-design has resulted in a much improved car with more rear headroom, better roadholding and striking looks. The interior is also much more practical and of higher quality.

[size=32]Volkswagen Golf[/size]

One of the most familiar cars on the road, the popular Volkswagen Golf has been setting standards in the family hatchback class for decades. It's hugely desirable, spacious and economical. The massive range encompasses everything from frugal diesel hatchbacks to spacious estates and convertibles. And there are exciting GTI or R performance versions – and even a hybrid and an all-electric model – so there's a Golf for almost any budget or requirements.

[size=32]Volkswagen Jetta[/size]

The Volkswagen Jetta is a car designed for the US market, where small saloons are more popular than hatchbacks. Previous versions of the Volkswagen Jetta have been little more than a Volkswagen Golf with a boot grafted on, but VW has made a conscious effort to distance the latest car from the hatchback. Build quality is up to VW's usual high standards, while BlueMotion Technology means the 1.6 TDI diesel offers low running costs.

[size=32]Volkswagen Golf SV[/size]

The Volkswagen Golf SV is billed as a more practical version of the Volkswagen Golf, with extra space for people over the Volkswagen Golf Estate and a boot that's almost the same size. The MPV will be called the SV in the UK only, with it getting its full-blown SportsVan tag across the rest of Europe. It is effectively a replacement for the old Volkswagen Golf Plus, a car that failed to sell in the numbers Volkswagen hoped.

[size=32]Volkswagen Caddy Maxi Life[/size]

The Volkswagen Caddy Maxi Life is a van-based people carrier, but it's priced at a level that's higher than other budget-minded models such as the Citroen Berlingo and Ford Tourneo Connect. Because of its van roots, the Volkswagen Caddy Maxi is extremely spacious, and has room for seven inside. Sliding rear doors mean access to the back is easy, and whether the rear seats are installed or removed, there's more space inside than you'd find in a regular MPV of a similar size.

[size=32]Volkswagen Scirocco[/size]

The Volkswagen Scirocco is designed to look stunning from every angle, and features aggressive headlights and a curvy rear end, which means it looks like nothing else on the road. On the inside, the cabin is very high quality, although the coupe roofline and three-door body limits rear seat space. The Volkswagen Scirocco handles very well, particularly if you go for the optional adaptive suspension. The engines deliver great performance. The range-topping Volkswagen Scirocco R is very expensive, but is great fun to drive.

[size=32]Volkswagen Touran[/size]

The Volkswagen Touran comes with seven seats, but can be bought as a five-seater with a slightly larger boot. There's a good choice of trim levels and engines, including an economical BlueMotion model, but the Volkswagen Touran isn’t exactly exciting to drive. Optional technology includes VW's novel Park Assist feature, which allows the car to parallel park itself.

[size=32]Volkswagen Tiguan[/size]

The Volkswagen Tiguan competes in the crossover market against the Nissan Qashqai, Peugeot 3008, BMW X1 and Ford Kuga. It has some off-road ability, which can be maximised by specifying Escape trim, which features four-wheel drive and an off-road body kit. The Volkswagen Tiguan is comfortable and spacious, fun to drive and has excellent build quality. All four trim levels are well equipped, and there are six smooth and economical engines to choose from, although the diesels make the most sensible buys because they hold their value better.

[size=32]Volkswagen Passat[/size]

The Volkswagen Passat is available as a stylish four-door saloon, or a more practical five-door estate. Both offer rock-bottom running costs and a high-quality interior, as well as plenty of room inside for four adults. There's a choice of five specifications, from the basic S to the pricey R-Line, complete with sporty styling and big alloy wheels. There's no petrol engine option, though a petrol-electric hybrid called the Passat GTE will join the range later.

[size=32]Volkswagen Amarok[/size]

The Volkswagen Amarok is the only double-cab pick-up to be designed and engineered in Europe. Its interior serves up seating for five, and stands out in this market by offering quality materials and a solid finish. A 3.0-litre V6 turbocharged diesel engine provides the power, while two- and four-wheel drive and automatic and manual versions are available. Add a raft of off-road technology, and the car is imperious over rough terrain. On the tarmac, it feels big from behind the wheel, and large overhangs make parking tricky. But the Volkswagen Amarok is lots of fun, and the huge load bed will ensure it appeals to commercial vehicle buyers.

[size=32]Volkswagen CC[/size]

The Volkswagen CC (formally known as the Volkswagen Passat CC) is almost a separate model; such is the boost in style and flair over the regular saloon. It's lower and sleeker than the standard four-door Volkswagen Passat, and is VW's attempt at a premium car to rival the BMW 3-Series, Mercedes C-Class and Audi A4. The first models were strictly four-seat, although a 2010 update added a full rear bench seat to accommodate an extra passenger. As a result, it's no less practical than the Volkswagen Passat saloon.

[size=32]Volkswagen Sharan[/size]

The new Volkswagen Sharan is longer and wider than the car it replaces, but thanks to advances in technology, it's also lighter, faster and more fuel efficient too. Inside there's a versatile interior with fold flat seats that allow the driver to create a load space that's 2.1 metres long. Lift the seats up again, and the outer pair of middle row chairs feature an ingenious tip and slide function. This works in tandem with the wide-opening sliding rear doors to make access to the rearmost seats easy. Best of all the chairs are roomy enough for even reasonably tall adults.

[size=32]Volkswagen Caravelle[/size]

It's based on a commercial van, but this people carrying edition of the Volkswagen Caravelle takes some beating for drivability and practicality. It's very spacious inside and in California specification makes the most of this - with fitments and fittings that turn the car into a camper. Inside, you'll find lots of storage options, plus optional tables, and sliding bench seats. Two diesel engines are offered, and for those who plan to tow on slippery surfaces, four-wheel drive is available too.

[size=32]Volkswagen Touareg[/size]

The Volkswagen Touareg is Volkswagen's luxury 4x4 and competes with the Land Rover Discovery 4, BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz M-Class. It's offered in five different trim levels, all of which are well equipped, including the Escape model - which is optimised for going off-road - and a hybrid. The hybrid model manages to be the fastest Volkswagen Touareg while boasting the lowest emissions. Despite that, TDI turbodiesel versions are the biggest sellers, with Volkswagen offering three different diesel engine.

[size=32]Volkswagen Eos[/size]

The Volkswagen Eos is a stylish four-seat convertible, distinguished by its clever folding metal and glass roof. At the touch of a button, the roof splits into five pieces and folds neatly into the boot. Unlike most folding hardtops, theVolkswagen Eos roof features glass sections, so the luxurious cabin remains bright even when the top is up. The Volkwagen Eos also features a great engine range, which offers power or BlueMotion economy, depending on your priorities.

[size=32]Volkswagen Phaeton[/size]

Volkwagen's luxury car doesn’t have the premium badge of a Mercedes-Benz or BMW, but the Volkswagen Phaeton is brilliantly engineered and features a host of hi-tech equipment as standard, including a touchscreen satellite navigation and climate control system. The design is very understated, which will appeal to some, while the interior is spacious and comfortable. The Volkswagen Phaeton is very expensive to buy new and depreciation is steep, which makes it a great proposition if you’re buying second-hand.